Checkrow corn planter



Dec. so, 1941. y F. BYAN ETAL 2,267,854'

CHECKROW-CORN PLANTER y Y j Filed May l5, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I n l @111/ CHECKROW CRN PLANTER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May l5, 1940 H. N mw mi @im gfx/DMA @im Patented Dec. 30, 1941 UNITED STTES' CHECKROW CORN PLANTER Frank Boyan,` Waterford, and GeorgeC. Kalb,

Rochester, Wis.

Application May 15, 1940, serial No. 335,208

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in check row corn planters, having for an object to` provide a planter of this type whereby the planting of seeds in equi-distant longitudinally spaced relation is effected without the usage of so-called check wires, the dropping of theseeds being automatically accomplished through the operation of means wholly contained or carried by the planter.

It is moreover an object of the invention to provide a planter of the stated character which, in operation, will automatically effect the dropping of seeds at regular intervals and distances and too, cause the planted hills to be clearly marked for facilitating alignment of subsequently planted hills therewith, hence, insuring the uniform planting of a eld in relatively hill longitudinal and transverse alignment.

Another object of the invention is to provide the planter with means whereby the seed dropping mechanism of the same maybe selectively adjusted so that longitudinal spacing of the planted seeds will be uniformly effectedat different distances apart, thus enabling a user to optionally increase or decrease the density `or relative longitudinal spacing of said plantings in a eld, i. e., increase or decrease the spacing between theY planted hills of the eld transverse rows.

Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed outhereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, we have in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description based thereupon, set out one embodiment of our invention.

In these drawings:

Figure l is a plan view of my improved planter.

Figure 2 is an enlarged top plan View of the same.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on line 3 3 of Figure 2; looking in the direction in which the arrows point, and

Figure 4 is a fragmentary detail, partly in sec` tion, illustrating the mounting of the rotatable hill marking devices and the hinged sectioning of one thereof.

Having particular reference to the drawings in connection with which like characters of reference will designate corresponding parts throughout, our

improved planter may b'e statedto comprise a frame of metal or other suitable materiaLsubstantially rectangular in formation, having suitable bearin which a live or rotatable aXle'is transversely journalled; wheels 3 being xedly mounted upon the opposite or bearing portions of such axle beyond the adjacent sides` of said frame I.V Sill I bars 4 and 5 are iixedly mounted transversely of the normallyforward portionof the frame I', as

shown in Figure 2 of the accompanyingldrawconsequencaextend for distancesrbeyond its opposite sides! Connection between the forward` i 'extremities ofthe opposite sides of thevframe Il and the sill bars 4 and 1-5 is preferablyeffected-` by means of brackets 6, the jadjacent ends of which are secured to the forward extremities ori' L ends of the frame sides, as at' 'I,` while their remaining or forward extremities are secured `rt'of said sill bars 4 and 5, as at 8; Also, suitable anglebraces 9I arel connected to the.: sill bar 4.through' the medium of the connecting means 8 and ex-f. tend into fixed engagement with a-"suitable'typeI of draft connection, generally designated by the,

numeral Ill, havingthe rearward,portionofythe:

same engaged with appropriate or adjacentV por'v tions of the sill bars 4 and 5, as illustrated byk Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings` Journalled in suitable bearings `depending from and supported by the opposite sides ofthe framey I,- as at II, is a transversely disposed counter or ings in the normally rearward portion thereof driven shaft I2, whose length is greater than the width of the frame I and therefore, hasits oppoe site'end portionsextended beyondfthe adjacent l' sides Yof said frame, fora purpose which will bei subsequently described.` That portion of the frame I in proximity to the mounting or arrange; ment of the counter or driven shaft I2.is equipped' with a substantially U-shaped frame brace I3`,y

the opposite legs of which have fixed connection' with adjacent portions of the frame sides.

A plurality'of different sized sprocket wheels,v

indicated by the numerals I4, lI5 andi I6 yare splined upon aportion of the -countershaft I2 between the opposite sides of ahe frame I and each is adaptedto bef-locked inkpartioular lon'- gitudinally adjusted position upon such vshaftthrough the medium of locking keys or similar devices, vgenerally designated by the numeralfI'I. These differently sized sprocket wheels I4, I5

' `and I6 are adapted'to be 'selectivelydrivenon rotated by the engagement .of a'sprocket chain I8 about the particularly selected" one yofethe group;v the `opposite end of the sprocket rchain being engaged about a sprocket wheel I9, carried by a suitable type of slip clutch element 20 loosely mounted on the axle 2 and normally engaging a companionate clutch element 2| having yfixed connection and mounting upon said adjacent portion of said axle. Thus, when the axle 2 is rotated in clock-wise direction, the clutch elements 20l and 2| will be interengaged. In consequence, thesprocket wheel I9 will be rotated causing the sprocket chain I8 to be driven, thereby transmitting rotary motion to the particular splined or slidably mounted sprocket wheel I4, I or I6 carried by the countershaft I2. By selective longitudinal adjustment of anyone of the sprocket wheels I4, I5 or IB upon the countershaft I2, it will be understood that the same will be brought into longitudinal alignment with the sprocket wheel I9 driven from the axle 2. Therefore, the normally forward end of the sprocket chain IB may be effectually engaged about thek 'ratios will be developed between the axle 2 and the counter or driven shaft I2, whereby the latter may'becaused to rotate at increased or decreased velocities.

f Fixedly mounted upon an intermediate portion -of the countershaft I2,- between the opposite sides ofthe frame I, is a pulley or sheave 22 about which a cable 23 is passed, said cable extending forwardly and longitudinally of the frame I to a point convenient for engagement thereof by a planter operator.

vMounted upon intermediate portions of the sill bars 4and 5, within the frame I, is a suitable type of gear casing 24, provided with motion or power transmitting gears, the characters of which are well known in the art, having conventional connection (not shown) with the planters wheels or axle whereby motion will be transmitted thereto.

.Seed hoppers, severally indicated by the numeral I25, are mounted on the outer extremities ofthesill bars 4 and 5 by means of suitable supporting brackets 26 and are adapted, as will be understood, to receive and discharge therefrom the seed corn to be planted. Drill shafts 21 are operably connected to the seed dropping mechanism (not shown) of each of the hoppers 25 and extend into driving relationship with respect to the gearing provided in the gear casing 24.

J ournalled in bearings provided in the forward portion of the frame I and disposed transversely ofthe Asame is a seed hopper shaft 28, the opposite ends of which have driving connection with certain of the seed dropping mechanism of the several seed hoppers 25,whereby seeds, in desired numbers or quantities, will be permitted to be discharged thereby for planting.

In order thatV oscillatory motion will be transmitted to the shaft 28 from the countershaft I2 in a manner to effect proper operation of the seed dropping mechanism of the several seed hoppers 25, we fixedly mount an eccentric or cam element29 upon an intermediate portion of the countershaft I2. `Pivotally mounted upon an adjacent portion of the 'sill bar 5, in `longitudinal alignment with the fixedly mounted cam 29, is a -lever 30', the normally rearward portion of which isr of substantially arcuate formation, as at 3|, and is .disposed directly over said cam 29; the normally forward portion` of said lever 32 having slotted pivotal connection, as at 33, with the adjacent end of an arm 34 xedly mounted upon a collar 35, which in turn, is received on and connected to an adjacent portion of the shaft 28. A contractile coil spring 36 is secured to an inner portion of the sill bar 5, as at 31, and has its opposite end secured to the normally forward portion of the lever 30. Hence, it will be understood that a normally upward pull will be imparted to said forward portion of the lever 30 causing its normally rearward portion provided Lwith the arcuate extension 3I to be urged downwardly for constant engagement with the peripheral section of the cam 29 carried by the countershaft I2. From the foregoing, it will be understood that with rotation of the counter or driven shaft I2 in a clock-wise direction, the cam 29 will correspondingly rotate and will thereby cause the normally rearward portion of the lever 30 provided with the arcuate extension 3I to be intermittently raised and lowered, thus transmitting an intermittent downward pull and upward thrust to the arm 34 xedly mounted on the seed hopper shaft 28. Thus, said seed hopper shaft 28 will be intermittently oscillated and this oscillatory motion will be transmitted to the seed hopper dropping mechanism of the several seed hoppers 25 whereby to effect intermittent dropping or release of seeds from said hopper into the discharge elements or portions of the planter runners.

As above indicated, each of the seed hoppers 25 is provided with planter runners indicated by the numeral 38, of conventional or well known construction and design, the runners being cooperatively associated with respect to the seed hoppers and suitably bracedwith respect to the sill bars 4 and 5 through the medium of runner braces generally indicated by the numeral 39.

As hereinbefore stated, the opposite ends of the shaft I2 are extended for distances beyond the opposite sides of the planter frame I. These opposite ends will, preferably, extend for distances slightly beyond or outwardly of the wheels 3 of the planter and each thereof is provided with suitable brackets or mounting devices 40 having substantially flat oppositely disposed attaching pieces 4I. Oppositely disposed arms 42 having relatively equi-spaced longitudinal slots 43 formed in their inward portions are attached to the flat engaging pieces 4I of the mounting device 40 through the medium of bolts or other suitable fastening devices 44 engaging through such attaching pieces and through the slots 43 of said arms. It will be thus seen that radially adjustable mounting of the oppositely disposed arms 42 with -respect to the countershaft I 2- will be permitted through slidable mounting of said arms upon the flat engaging pieces 4I of the mounting device 40. Each of the arms 42 is composed of sections, the meeting or adjacent ends of which are hingedly interconnected and are normally retained in relative parallelism through the medium of spring means 45 carried adjacent` their hinged connections and having bearing upon adjacent portions of the same. The free ends of the outermost sections of the arms 42 are each equipped with earth engaging means, generally indicated by the numeral 46, which means are adapted to be engaged in the -earth over which the planter passes to depths suicient to mark the same, for a purpose which will subsequently be described. If, however, during the rotation of the arms 42 in a clock-wise direction, the earth engaging portions 46 thereof should strike or come into engagement with some foreign object, such for example as a rock, etc., it will be understood that the spring pressed hingedly connected outer sections thereof will be permitted to yieldably engage and pass over the same, hence, avoiding breaking or doing of other damage thereto.

Extensions 41 are rigidly carried upon the opposite extremities of the forward sill bar 4 of the planter in substantial alignment therewith and have lengths of chain 48 or flexible means connected to the outer ends of each thereof and depending therefrom; the lengths of the chains being such that their lower ends are disposed in proximity to the soil and serve as indicating devices to the planter operator whereby he may transversely align the planter with previously planted hills for the beginning and following through the planting of a new row with planted hills in transverse and longitudinal alignment with those previously planted.

In operation of our improved planter, the planter operator rotates the countershaft I2 by imparting pull in counter-clockwise direction to' the cable 23 engaged over the sheave 22, so that one of the hill marking arms 42, mounted on the opposite ends thereof will be so positioned that it will engage with the earth or soil upon following rotation of the same and the countershaft I2, in spaced relation to and in alignment with that particularly previously planted hill laterally of the planter, adjacent which the free or lower end of one of the indicator chains 48 is then arranged. Because of the provision of the slip clutch comprised by the elements and 2|, it will be understood that reverse rotation of sprocket chain I8 through the particular sprocket wheel I4, I5 or I6 connected therewith and arranged upon the countershaft I2, will be permitted, i. e., the countershaft with said sprocket wheels I4, I5 and I6 may be rotated in a reverse or counter-clockwise direction under urge of the cable 23 without interference from the axle 2.

As the planter is drawn over a predetermined course on the field, for the check row planting of seeds, the live axle 2 will transmit rotary motion to the countershaft I2 through that particular sprocket wheel I4, I5, or I6 engaged by the sprocket chain I8. Accordingly, the cam element 29 engaging the arcuate portion 3l of the lever 30 will be rotated in a clock-wise direction and will rock said lever 30. Such engagement will cause the opposite or normally forward end of the lever 30 to be moved downwardly and hence, impart downward pull to the adjacent end of the arm 34 xedly mounted on the shaft 28. The shaft 28 will be rocked and effect operation of the seed dropping mechanism (not shown) of the seed hoppers to effect the dropping or release of seeds therefrom for planting. The planter runners 38, as is usual, will eect covering of the dropped seed with soil.

Following rocking of the shaft 28 under influence of the lever 3l) and the arm 3d pivotally connected thereto, it will be understood that said lever, and in consequence, the shaft 28, will be automatically returned to their initial or starting positionby means of the contractile coil spring 36 connected to the forward portion of said lever 30, hence, rendering the same ready for further intermittent rocking of the shaft 28 and repeated seed dropping or release and planting operations.

Should it be desired to eifect relatively longer or shorter spacing between the check row planting of seeds, i. e., hills planted at greater or lesser distances apart, it will be understood that this may be selectively effected by increasing or decreasing the speed of rotation of the countershaft I2 through the selective positioning of the sprocket wheels I4, I5 or I5 for connection with the norm-ally forward end of the sprocket chain Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of modification, and such modification as is within the scope of our claims, we consider within the spirit of our invention.

We claim:

1. A corn planter, including a wheeled frame,

a countershaft mounted transversely of a pory tion of said frame, means for selectively trans` the frame in spaced relation to said countershaft,

a lever mounted upon the frame between said countershaft and oscillatable shaft, a cam element fixedly mounted on the countershaft engaging with one end portion of said lever, means xedly mounted on said oscillatable shaft pivotally connected to the opposite end of said lever, spring means for normally imparting an upward pull to the pivotally connected end of said lever, and seed hoppers on the frame having their respective seed release means operatively connected to said oscillatable shaft.

2. A corn planter, including a wheeledv frame, a countershaft mounted transversely of a portion of the frame, means for transmitting rotary motion to said countershaft from the frame wheels, a transversely disposed oscillatable shaft on the frame in spaced relation to said countershaft, a lever mounted on the frame between said countershaft and oscillatable shaft, one end portion of said lever being provided with an arcuate bearing portion, a cam element xedly carried by the countershaft engaging the arcuate' bearing portion of said lever, fixed means on the oscillatable shaft pivotally connected to the opposite end of said lever, and seed hoppers on the frame having their respective seed release means operatively connected to said oscillatable shaft.

FRANK BOYAN. GEORGE C. KALB. 

